Appetizing Aperture: 5Church's Rest My Ruby Rest Cocktail

Aromatherapy devotees trust citrus oils and essences to energize and uplift spirits -- two qualities guaranteed to brighten any winter day or night. So why not imbibe those citrusy elements in a cocktail, like “Rest My Ruby Rest” at 5Church Atlanta in Midtown. Lead bartender Keyatta Mincey dry shakes a mix of Reposado Patrón tequila, hibiscus syrup, lemon juice, Peychaud’s bitters, 18.21 hibiscus bitters and egg white, reshakes with ice and double-strains the works into a vintage-style glass. Expressed lemon peel and a hibiscus bloom garnish this glass of Florida-ish sunshine.

Slide Right into HOBNOB for Wednesday Slider Night

Max out on those yummy little bun-fulls at HOBNOB Slider Nights, each Wednesday at both the Midtown and Town Brookhaven HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern locations. Three new sliders hit the menu every week starting at 5 p.m. The tender sliders are priced at $3.50 each to appease appetites until supplies run out. Town Brookhaven HOBNOB-ers reap an added bonus, live music starting at 7:30 p.m. Another upside to slipping down these mighty minis? More room for one of HOBNOB’s adult milkshakes, like the oatmeal cream pie with horchata and Fireball whiskey ($9), the Stoli O- and Grand Marnier-laced orange “creamsicle” ($10) or the classic, non-alcoholic chocolate shake ($6.50).

gusto! Billboard Championship Winners Alexis Louder and John Harris Britton Beam Down from Above Ponce

Two gung-ho gusto! fans are ousting the usual advertisers gracing the billboards located above Green’s Beverages on Ponce de Leon Avenue in Midtown. The faces of Alexis Louder and John Harris Britton, #gustobillboardchampionship winners, will beam down from the billboard for two weeks each this month. The fall “board” game contest is the brainchild of gusto! founder Nate Hybl, conceived as a bold way to show appreciation for guests who champion his brand and embrace the Atlanta community. Guests could submit entry slips at either gusto! location (Midtown and Buckhead) or tag three friends on any gusto! Facebook or Instagram post. Winners Louder and Britton were chosen at random through in-store and social media drawings. Louder, a Cobb County resident who digs the chipotle mango avocado gusto, frequents gusto! because it’s “quick, healthy and soooo tasty!” Midtown resident Britton has only been in Atlanta a couple of months. He’s already in love with the thoughtfully crafted blend of flavor profile ingredients at gusto! -- especially the apple curry peanut gusto. Both Louder and Britton love visiting Piedmont Park. Fortunately, the park’s proximity to gusto! on Ponce bodes well for their smiling faces to gravitate toward their favorite happy, healthy mealtime spot.

Naughty & Nice Coexist on “Keep the Balance” Limited Time Special Menu at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill

Working on that delicate balance of yin and yang? The “brrrr” factor of cold weather can dip dinnertime toward melt-away morsels dressed in creamy sauces, juicy meats and smoky bacon. While nonstop daytime schedules, however, demand high-energy, lower-calorie power lunches of grilled seafood, plentiful veggies and cool salads to avoid embarrassing post-lunch snoozes. Empathizing with the struggle, The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill sets forth a “Keep the Balance” menu of “Nice” low-cal lunchtime pleasers and comforting (and a wee bit decadent) “Naughty” dinner dishes. Enjoy both through the end of February.

To stay alert, focused and energized, choose a “Nice” lunch special surfacing under 500 calories. Net a grilled shrimp wrap with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, feta and tzatziki sauce served with a side house salad or side Caesar ($11.95) or choose a refreshing shrimp and crab salad plate with mixed greens, yogurt aioli, tomatoes, eggs and cucumbers ($11.95). “Naughty” brightens nightfall with soul-satiating dishes such as succulent Maine lobster mac and cheese with Gouda béchamel sauce and Parmesan crumbs ($23.95) or The Big Ketch bacon double cheeseburger boasting two griddled beef patties, Applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, crispy onions and pickles ($13.95). Stay even-keeled and seek balance now by hurrying into either The Big Ketch Buckhead or Canton Street for these powerful lunches and richly rewarding dinners -- before this menu casts away. 

AmericasMart Market Goers, Take a Break and Relax at Ray’s in the City

Perusing all the new merchandise at the AmericasMart Atlanta January market is so exhilarating. The buying, writing orders and chatting up a storm…followed by an aching desire to plop down, sip a cocktail and savor every morsel of an exquisite meal served by pampering staff. Nirvana awaits at Ray’s in the City, a mere one-minute walk on Peachtree, right around the corner from AmericasMart. If the midday schedule allows, pop in for a sustaining lunch encompassing hot soup du jour, seafood gumbo or high-power signature salads ($11-$26); strong handhelds like the salmon BLT, crabcake sandwich or hickory BBQ bacon burger ($14-$17); and Ray’s specialties such as steak frites, crispy shrimp and grits or the chef’s seasonally inspired pasta ($16-$33). Evenings, exit the showroom and unwind to the sounds of live music in the lounge from 6-10 p.m. and Atlanta’s best downtown dining. Share starters of steamed mussels, Ray’s blue cheese chips or “New Orleans” BBQ shrimp, crispy Point Judith calamari with sweet peppers and San Marzano tomato marinara, fresh cold-water oysters or the hot appetizer platter for four to six guests ($13-$70). Recharge over signature salads and entrées including Springer Mountain Farms chicken, salmon Oscar, Parmesan scallops and sun corn roasted trout. Ray’s is renowned for hand-cut steaks and chops featuring aged beef in filet mignon (eight- and 12-ounce cuts), New York strip, Delmonico rib-eye and tenderloin steak frites. Gluten-free options please those watching their diets. A classic cocktail, glass of wine or craft brew will erase any day-end tensions. In town over the weekend? Leave the hotel room behind to enjoy brunch on Saturday and Sunday or ”Wine” Down in the City with half-price bottles of wine on Sundays from 12:30 p.m. until close. To make reservations, call 404-524-9224.

Appetizing Aperture: Revival's Winter Vegetable Pasta

Stash the hand and toe warmers for some other cold night. Freshly made pappardelle pasta at Revival, chef Kevin Gillespie’s Decatur restaurant, melts hearts and souls from the inside out. Chef Nicole Edwards’ winter vegetable pasta wears a cloak of garlic and white wine cream sauce dressed with parsnips, fennel, sweet onion, local squash, sage and frisée ($16). Swoon-worthy, and use your spoon to cradle every saucy drop.

Brides, Grooms, Say “We do!” at Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails

 

Ring (as in engagement) in the New Year? Involving sparkling carats and eyes aglow? Congratulations! Let the wedding planning begin by “farming” out festivities -- including the ceremony -- to Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails in idyllic North Fulton. The unique restaurant fills a historic Crabapple farmhouse that has seen more than 150 years of life, love and laughter. Charm exudes from homestead and porch out over the lawn and into Milton’s Acre, an onsite garden where Milton’s grows its own veggies and herbs and hosts its signature garden dinners around long communal tables. Farmhouse, neat rows and an arbor-covered center path provide a picturesque backdrop for a sophisticated Southern wedding, well-balanced with style from ceremony to reception or a true seed-to-fork dining experience. Chef Derek Dollar tailors a menu of regionally inspired comfort foods to suit your desires, be it for brunch, dinner or hors d’oeuvre accompanied by bar stations mixing classic and creative libations. Milton’s welcoming staff delivers the cherished nuptial gift of a stress-free event where bride, groom, family and guests can all relax and celebrate the momentous occasion. To set the ball rolling from start through the big day, contact Milton’s events and marketing manager Jill Hayes (jill@miltonscuisine.com). She also can set you up with photographer Ashley Blencoe (www.BlencoeAndCo.com), who’s well versed in views at the historic venue and ready to capture the picture-perfect day.

#Foodgram: Alexandra's Kitchen

Thanks, mom! Alexandra Stoddard credits her mom for instilling a love of cooking and baking from scratch. Homemade bread graced the daily table. How do we know such trivia? Photos @alexandracooks enticed us to rabbit trail to her well-recognized blog Alexandra’s Kitchen and to her “Bread Toast Crumbs” cookbook that’s loaded with no-knead bread recipes. Fire up the ovens and bake your way through winter.